• Security

    2021-07-22

    Tajik troops ready to protect border from Taliban insurgency

    Taliban promises not to attack Afghanistan's neighbours should be regarded with scepticism, say observers, as regional militaries prepare for increasing instability.

  • Security

    2021-07-22

    Afghans praise last US commander in Afghanistan as troops depart

    Gen. Austin 'Scott' Miller travelled extensively across Afghanistan during his tenure, often flying into hotspots under threat, and was known for respecting Afghan traditions and values.

  • Security

    2021-07-21

    Taliban attacks on Herat's Salma dam spark outrage

    Iranians were reportedly among the Taliban militants who attacked one of the country's largest infrastructure projects. Afghan forces repelled the attack and are preparing for future attempts.

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    Spotlight

    Military support from Iran bolstered Taliban's offensive in western Afghanistan

    Key support, including the direct involvement of Iranian troops, was instrumental in the Taliban's seizure of multiple districts. Tehran's goal: to ensure unimpeded water flow to Iran.

    Military support from Iran bolstered Taliban's offensive in western Afghanistan
  • Diplomacy

    2021-07-21

    US, Central Asia discuss ongoing partnership, Afghan situation

    Officials talked about how to realise Central Asia's potential as a transit, trade and energy hub, and about some critical challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and instability in Afghanistan.

  • Security

    2021-07-20

    Ghani says Taliban have 'no will' for peace

    'Why are you destroying Afghanistan's wealth, schools, hospitals, bridges and roads? Why are you killing ulema and destroying mosques?' Ghani said, addressing the Taliban.

  • Security

    2021-07-20

    Civilian casualties skyrocket in wake of Taliban offensive in Kunduz

    Taliban fighting has forced more than 12,000 families to flee their homes over the past month, and the vast majority of recent casualties have been children, women and the elderly.

  • Security

    2021-07-20

    Taliban's destruction of telecom towers disrupts service for thousands

    Thousands of Afghans have been deprived of telecommunication services as a result of the Taliban's willful destruction of infrastructure.

  • Security

    2021-07-19

    Al-Qaeda-linked fighters spotted in Taliban's ranks

    Dozens of foreign fighters have been killed in recent battles and Afghan forces have retrieved evidence indicating that al-Qaeda elements guide and train Afghan Taliban militants.

  • Diplomacy

    2021-07-19

    International community doubts Taliban sincerity in peace talks

    'The Taliban's offensive is in direct contradiction to their claim to support a negotiated settlement,' more than a dozen diplomatic missions said.

  • Security

    2021-07-16

    Military support from Iran bolstered Taliban's offensive in western Afghanistan

    Key support, including the direct involvement of Iranian troops, was instrumental in the Taliban's seizure of multiple districts. Tehran's goal: to ensure unimpeded water flow to Iran.

  • Security

    2021-07-16

    Uzbekistan eyes Afghan border with concern amid Taliban offensive

    Locals living along the border are in a state of fear as they can now hear the sounds of war with Taliban violence getting closer.

  • Security

    2021-07-15

    Kite flying, dancing, music: Afghan pastimes again at risk from Taliban

    Afghans do not want to see their rights erased and their favourite pastimes banned if the Taliban return to power, and many vow to stand up to the militants.

  • Human Rights

    2021-07-14

    Taliban return to oppression in newly seized territory

    Women are barred for leaving their homes, men are prohibited from shaving, and local leaders are being forced to provide lists of young women to marry off to the group's fighters.

  • Security

    2021-07-14

    Evidence refutes Taliban lies about execution video from Faryab

    Taliban militants clearly are seen executing 22 Afghan commandos after they surrendered in mid June, and the Red Cross confirmed the recovery of the bodies.

  • Security

    2021-07-14

    Kunar religious scholars, imams denounce Taliban's violence

    Burning schools, forcing civilians from their homes, looting businesses, and killing government supporters in no way constitutes 'jihad', they say.

  • Security

    2021-07-13

    'Mother' of Kabul's drug addicts vows to defy Taliban

    Laila Haidari rescues homeless addicts in Kabul and helps them kick their habit. She has vowed to stay in her country and resist the Taliban.

  • Economy

    2021-07-13

    Kunduz officials inaugurate city master plan despite looming Taliban threat

    The first phase of the plan, now under way, aims to expand the western part of Kunduz city.

  • Security

    2021-07-12

    Public uprisings see success in helping Afghan forces repel Taliban

    Taliban offensives have stalled in a number of districts across the country as Afghan civilians join the security forces in protecting their land from the militants.

  • Security

    2021-07-12

    Afghan forces install anti-missile system at Kabul airport

    Afghan security forces and militiamen are pushing back on the Taliban's onslaught while the international community renews calls for peace talks and a political settlement.

  • Security

    2021-07-09

    Taliban force residents to flee as they loot, torch homes during offensive

    Across the country, Taliban fighters are going door-to-door searching for government supporters, burning homes, and looting businesses, in what observers are calling 'war crimes'.

  • Security

    2021-07-09

    Veteran Afghan warlord Ismail Khan vows to fight Taliban again

    'We demand all the remaining security forces resist with courage,' Khan said at a news conference in Herat, adding that hundreds of civilians are ready to fight the Taliban.

  • Diplomacy

    2021-07-08

    Iranian regime attempts to reshape image of 'new' Taliban

    'They don't behead individuals anymore,' read a recent Iranian editorial on the Taliban, listing one of the reasons why the militant group is 'not the group we once knew'.

  • Religion

    2021-07-07

    Afghan Ulema Council calls on Taliban to end violence

    The only way to save Afghanistan is to stop the bloodshed and to strengthen unity, brotherhood and understanding, Afghan religious scholars and political leaders say.

  • Security

    2021-07-07

    Hundreds of women in Ghor province take up arms against Taliban

    The women in Ghor province are among thousands of Afghans who have armed themselves in the face of Taliban attacks.

  • Security

    2021-07-06

    Afghan forces prepare for major counterattack against Taliban

    While Afghan troops ready for action, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon ordered the mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops to further strengthen the border with Afghanistan.

  • Security

    2021-07-05

    Central Asian states bolster security in response to Taliban activity along borders

    Taliban violence in recent weeks has reached the borders of Afghanistan's three Central Asian neighbours: Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. All three are ramping up their militaries.

  • Health

    2021-07-02

    China's COVID-19 'global public good' turning a bad situation worse?

    Infection rates are spiking in countries that relied on Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines, while leaders in Beijing continue to tout their country's 'greatness' in defeating the virus.